Georgia Legislative Outlook, 2007
A pending finance lawsuit in Georgia could influence the budget. Governor Sonny Perdue (R) has proposed using $32.7million to close the wealth gap between school systems. There will also be legislative efforts to limit proceeds from the state lottery going to the state’s HOPE scholarship program, pre-K initiatives, and graduation coaches in middle schools. The state recently installed graduation coaches in all high schools, resulting in an increase in graduation rates in the state. Perdue has also proposed a 3% raise for teachers along with a $100 gift card. The tate’s Senate pro tem, Eric Johnson (R), wants to issue vouchers for special needs children, which some critics say is an avenue toward vouchers for all children.